New Zealand has broadcasted adhan, Muslim call to prayer, and observed two minutes of silence in Christchurch, one week after the terror attack that left 50 people dead in two mosques in the city.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Muslim community
leaders, local iwi and international dignitaries, among others attended
ceremony to tribute victims of the shooting attack in Christchurch mosques as
the country also broadcasted adhan, Muslim call to prayer on radio and
television, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
The ceremony was followed by two minutes of silence, which has been observed nationally.
Al Noor Mosque Imam Gamal Fouda, who survived Friday’s attacks, then spoke,
telling the crowd New Zealand was unbreakable, “We are broken-hearted, but
we are not broken. We are alive, we are together. We are determined to not let
anyone divide us.”
“To the families of the victims your loved ones did not die in vain, their
blood has watered the seeds of hope. Through them the world see the beauty of
Islam and the beauty of our unity.”
He addressed the people as,”To the people of New Zealand, thank you for
your tears, your haka, your compassion.”
Fouda also thanked the prime minister, the government and people of New Zealand
as well as the police service and people who helped on the day.
“It’s easy to feel lost after the trauma of Friday but Allah will give
strength.”
The ceremony was followed by Friday Jumuaha Prayers as a range of other vigils
and commemorations are also taking place across New Zealand today.
Thousands of people arrived at Kilbirnie Mosque to show their solidarity with
the Muslim community as they attended their Friday afternoon prayers.
Among the attendees were emergency service staff, Police Commissioner Mike
Bush, Mayor Justin Lestor, MPs Grant Robertson and James Shaw and leaders from
other religious communities.
A human chain formed outside the mosque, which at times become a waiata.
The call to prayer, the adhan, is an Islamic practice that is observed by
devotees five times a day.
The call to prayer took place about 1.30pm, lasting about one minute and 40
seconds.
